Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications
The clash between Australia and India is much more than a series of matches; it’s a crucial battle with a significant impact on the landscape of the World Test Cricket championship. With the World Test Cricket Championship final in June, both teams have a lot at stake, looking beyond individual results. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they achieve the same success against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.Analysis of India’s Aspirations
India has played four series, accumulating 360 points with a points percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle: against Australia and England. Both consist of four tests, which means the points allocation is the same: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets the maximum points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. This sets 70% as the target India must surpass to stay ahead of New Zealand.To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points out of the 240 available in these two series. This can be achieved in two ways: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.
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For example, if India loses against Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. The only way to reach 110 points is by winning all four matches, as a win awards 30 points and a draw, 10.
Australia’s Position
Australia has played three series, accumulating 296 points with a points percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage above 70%, as long as the series against South Africa is played. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three tests, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.
